Mauritania Business Directory & List of Companies

Capital City and 5 Largest Cities in Mauritania

• Nouakchott is the capital and largest city of Mauritania. It serves as the country's political, administrative, and economic center. The city is located on the Atlantic coast.
• Nouadhibou is the second-largest city in Mauritania and is situated on the Atlantic coast. It is known for its fishing industry and serves as a major port city.
• Néma is the third-largest city in Mauritania and is located in the southeastern part of the country. It serves as the capital of the Hodh Ech Chargui region.
• Kiffa is the fourth-largest city in Mauritania and is situated in the Assaba region in the southern part of the country.
• Kaédi is the fifth-largest city in Mauritania and is located in the Gorgol region in the southern part of the country. It is known for its agricultural activities.

Mauritania on Map - see more from Google map

Mauritania Economy in Figures

1. Gross Domestic Product (GDP): In 2020, Mauritania's GDP was approximately 6.6 billion USD, with a per capita GDP of around 1,400 USD. The economy has been historically dependent on mining, fishing, and agriculture.
2. Mining: Mining is a significant contributor to Mauritania's economy. The country is known for its rich mineral resources, particularly iron ore and gold. Major mining companies like Kinross Gold and Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM) operate in the country.
3. Fishing: Mauritania's coastal location on the Atlantic Ocean makes it a major player in the fishing industry. The sector exports fish and seafood products to international markets.
4. Agriculture: Agriculture, including livestock farming and subsistence agriculture, is an important sector, employing a significant portion of the population. Key agricultural products include millet, sorghum, maize, and livestock.
5. Oil and Gas: While Mauritania has offshore oil and gas reserves, the development of this sector was ongoing as of my last update. The exploitation of these resources has the potential to significantly impact the country's economy.
6. Foreign Aid: Mauritania receives foreign aid and assistance from various international organizations and countries to support development projects and address poverty and healthcare challenges.
7. Currency: The currency used in Mauritania is the Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRO).
8. Trade: Mauritania's main trading partners include China, France, Spain, and other African countries. Exports primarily consist of minerals, fish, and agricultural products.
9. Infrastructure: Investment in infrastructure development, including roads, ports, and energy, has been a focus to enhance economic growth and connectivity.
10. Challenges: Mauritania faces economic challenges, including poverty, inequality, and vulnerability to external shocks. Diversifying the economy away from its heavy reliance on mining and fishing is a key goal.

Ten Top Companies in Mauritania

1. Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM): SNIM is a state-owned mining company and one of the largest employers in Mauritania. It primarily focuses on iron ore mining.
2. Kinross Gold Corporation: Kinross Gold is a Canadian-based multinational mining company with significant operations in Mauritania, including the Tasiast Gold Mine.
3. Mauritanian Copper Mines (MCM): MCM is a subsidiary of First Quantum Minerals and operates the Guelb Moghrein copper-gold mine in northern Mauritania.
4. Mauritania Airlines: The national airline of Mauritania, providing domestic and international flights.
5. Société Nationale de Commercialisation des Produits de Pêche (SNCP): SNCP is a state-owned company responsible for the marketing and export of fish and seafood products from Mauritania.
6. Mauritania Railway (RIM): This state-owned company operates the railway line that transports iron ore from Zouérat to the port of Nouadhibou, a crucial part of the country's mining infrastructure.
7. Banque Mauritanienne pour le Commerce International (BMCI): BMCI is a bank operating in Mauritania, offering banking and financial services.
8. Banque Nationale de Mauritanie (BNM): BNM is another bank operating in Mauritania, providing various financial services.
9. Sahara Mining Services: A mining services company that provides support and services to the mining industry in Mauritania.
10. Société Mauritanienne de l'Industrie de l'Aluminium (SMIA): SMIA is involved in the development of Mauritania's bauxite resources and the production of alumina and aluminum.

Ten Top Banks in Mauritania

1. Banque Mauritanienne pour le Commerce International (BMCI): BMCI is a bank operating in Mauritania, offering a range of banking and financial services.
2. Banque Nationale de Mauritanie (BNM): BNM is another local bank in Mauritania, providing various financial services.
3. Banque Sahélo-Saharienne pour l'Investissement et le Commerce (BSIC Mauritania): BSIC is a regional bank with a presence in several African countries, including Mauritania.
4. Banque Populaire de Mauritanie (BPM): BPM is a local bank that offers banking services to individuals and businesses in Mauritania.
5. Banque Islamique de Mauritanie (BIM): BIM is an Islamic bank that operates in accordance with Sharia principles, providing Islamic banking and financial services.
6. Banque Al Baraka Mauritanie: Another Islamic bank, Banque Al Baraka Mauritanie offers Sharia-compliant banking services.
7. Banque pour le Commerce et l'Industrie Mauritanienne (BCIM): BCIM is a local bank that serves the banking needs of individuals and businesses in Mauritania.
8. Crédit du Sahel: Crédit du Sahel is a microfinance institution that offers financial services, including microloans and savings accounts, in Mauritania.
9. Société Générale de Banques en Mauritanie (SGBM): A subsidiary of the French multinational bank Société Générale, SGBM provides banking services in Mauritania.
10. Banque de l'Habitat de Mauritanie (BHM): BHM is a local bank in Mauritania that focuses on providing housing finance and related services.